Quick Answer
Ruffed grouse and spruce grouse are two species of forest grouse found in North America. While they occupy similar habitats and have some overlapping range, there are several key physical differences that allow birders and hunters to distinguish between them:
- Size – Ruffed grouse are larger, about 16-19 inches long compared to 11-15 inches for spruce grouse.
- Color – Ruffed grouse are more boldly patterned with barring and mottling in brown, black, and white. Spruce grouse are more uniformly brownish-gray.
- Tail – Ruffed grouse have a broad, fanned tail with a subterminal black band. Spruce grouse tails are more squared-off and lack the band.
- Habitat – Ruffed grouse prefer deciduous and mixed forests. Spruce grouse are found mainly in coniferous boreal forests.
- Location – Ruffed grouse range across southern Canada and much of the continental US. Spruce grouse are mostly limited to Canada and the northern US.
Paying attention to these distinguishing features allows reliable separation of these two often-confused species in areas where their ranges overlap. The rest of this article explores their identification in more detail.
Detailed Physical Description
Ruffed grouse and spruce grouse belong to the same genus Bonasa, but they are distinct species with clear morphological differences.
Ruffed Grouse
- Length: 16 to 19 inches.
- Wingspan: 21 to 25 inches
- Weight: 1 to 1.5 pounds
- Stocky, robust body shape.
- Short, thick neck.
- Rounded head and short bill.
- Color pattern is boldly marked with brown, black, white, and gray. Barring on the flanks, mottling on the head and neck, and dark banding on the tail.
- Broad, fanned tail with wide subterminal black band. Outer tail feathers have irregular grey and white barring.
- Yellow skin over the eye.
- Feathered legs and feet.
Key field marks for ruffed grouse identification include the fanned, banded tail, mottled head and neck, and brown and gray barring on the body and wings.
Spruce Grouse
- Length: 11 to 15 inches.
- Wingspan: 16 to 18 inches.
- Weight: 1 to 1.25 pounds.
- Plump body shape.
- Rounded head, short neck, and short bill similar to ruffed grouse.
- Color is grayish-brown over most of the body with barring and mottling in black, brown, and white. More uniformly colored than ruffed grouse.
- Tail is squared-off when fanned. No broad terminal band.
- Yellow skin over the eye as in ruffed grouse.
- Feathered legs and feet.
The key difference to note in spruce grouse is the lack of strong patterning and banding compared to ruffed grouse. The tail shape is also diagnostic when seen well.
Size Comparison
The size difference between ruffed grouse and spruce grouse is noticeable if the two species are seen side by side.
Species | Length | Wingspan | Weight |
---|---|---|---|
Ruffed Grouse | 16-19 inches | 21-25 inches | 1-1.5 lbs |
Spruce Grouse | 11-15 inches | 16-18 inches | 1-1.25 lbs |
Ruffed grouse are stockier birds with a wingspan nearly 25% greater than the more petite spruce grouse. In the field, the size difference may be less apparent. But if a suspected spruce grouse appears large, it is certainly a ruffed grouse.
Plumage Differences
The plumage patterns of ruffed grouse and spruce grouse show clear distinctions:
Ruffed Grouse
- Bold patterning with distinct mottling and barring.
- Neck and upper breast heavily mottled with brown, black, white, and gray.
- Distinct vertical barring on the flanks.
- Conspicuous horizontal barring on the tail.
- Wings show brown and gray barring and mottling when folded.
The ruffed grouse’s patterns are striking and variable. The irregular barring and mottling provide excellent camouflage in the dappled light of deciduous woods.
Spruce Grouse
- Subdued patterning with faint barring and mottling.
- Neck and breast more uniformly grayish-brown with little mottling.
- Indistinct barring on the flanks.
- Wings relatively plain grayish-brown.
Spruce grouse have drab, cryptic plumage suited to concealment in coniferous habitats. Lacking the bold markings of ruffed grouse. The difference is most apparent when viewing the two species side by side.
Tail Shape Differences
The shape and markings of the tail are excellent identification markers for separating ruffed grouse and spruce grouse:
Ruffed Grouse
- Broad fan-shaped tail often held erect.
- Tail has wide subterminal band of black.
- Outer tail feathers have 6-8 irregular gray and white bars.
Spruce Grouse
- Narrower, more squared-off tail.
- No distinct subterminal band.
- Tail feathers lack strong barring.
When seen well, the ruffed grouse’s banded, fanned tail is unmistakable. The spruce grouse’s tail shape is nondescript by comparison.
Habitat Preferences
Though their ranges overlap, ruffed grouse and spruce grouse have distinct habitat affinities:
Ruffed Grouse Habitats
- Deciduous forests and woodlands.
- Aspen stands.
- Forest edges and openings.
- Brushy thickets.
- Old clearcuts with dense regrowth.
Ruffed grouse thrive in disturbed deciduous habitats with a mix of dense cover and openings for feeding.
Spruce Grouse Habitats
- Coniferous boreal forests.
- Mature spruce-fir woods.
- Muskegs and bogs.
Spruce grouse inhabit old-growth coniferous or mixed forests, seldom venturing into open habitats.
Knowing the predominant forest type where a grouse is observed provides a good clue to its identity in regions where ruffed and spruce grouse both occur. Ruffed grouse prefer deciduous leaves and buds while spruce grouse feed mostly on conifer needles.
Range and Distribution
The range maps for ruffed grouse and spruce grouse provide additional context for identification:
Ruffed Grouse Range
- Across southern Canada from Alberta to Quebec.
- Throughout forested regions of the continental United States.
- Absent from the southern plains and southwest deserts.
Spruce Grouse Range
- Across Canada from Alaska to Labrador.
- Northern tier of United States from Alaska to northern New England.
- Isolated mountain populations in western states.
Ruffed grouse range widely across eastern and central North America. Spruce grouse are restricted to boreal forest regions of Canada and the northern U.S. In northern areas where their ranges overlap, habitat preferences still provide clues to identification.
Behavioral Differences
Subtle differences in behavior can also help distinguish ruffed grouse from spruce grouse:
Ruffed Grouse
- Prefer to walk on the ground rather than fly.
- Make loud, thumping wing beats when flushed.
- Drumming display involves rapid wing beats on a log.
- Aggressive during the breeding season.
Spruce Grouse
- Readily fly up into trees when approached.
- Make quieter, muffled wing beats.
- Display by fanning tail and making soft hooting sounds.
- Docile temperament year-round.
Ruffed grouse are likely to explode from the forest floor when disturbed. The spruce grouse’s preference is to fly to a tree perch. Ruffed grouse are also more vocal and aggressive compared to the gentle spruce grouse.
Identifying Juveniles
Juvenile ruffed and spruce grouse can be even harder to differentiate. But the same principles apply:
Juvenile Ruffed Grouse
- Buffy brown overall with faint barring on wings.
- Lack strong head and neck mottling.
- Show indistinct tail band.
Juvenile Spruce Grouse
- Plain gray-brown overall.
- No barring or mottling.
- Tail plain gray-brown.
The key is that ruffed grouse chicks show remnants of adult plumage traits like barring and mottling. Spruce grouse young lack any such marking. Size and habitat remain important clues.
Similar Species
Ruffed grouse and spruce grouse may be confused with other forest grouse. Here’s how to distinguish them:
Blue Grouse
- Occupies coniferous western mountains.
- Males are gray with yellow eye combs.
- Broad square tail unlike spruce grouse.
Dusky Grouse
- Found along the Pacific Coast.
- Uniform gray-brown coloration.
- Red eye comb and lacking eye spot.
Willow Ptarmigan
- Only all-white ptarmigan is found south of treeline.
- Smaller with chunky build.
- Occupies open tundra.
Rock Ptarmigan
- In summer, finely barred brown plumage with white wings.
- Found above treeline on rocky mountain slopes.
The habitat preferences of these related grouse helps distinguish them from ruffed or spruce grouse which are birds of the boreal forests.
Conclusion
Ruffed grouse and spruce grouse can be challenging to differentiate where their ranges come together across Canada and the northern U.S. However, by carefully noting field marks, size, habitat, behavior, and distribution, positive identification is possible. When in doubt, photographic documentation helps confirm the key features that separate these two forest grouse. With practice, birders can learn to confidently distinguish a ruffed grouse tail fan from a spruce grouse’s squared-off tail in a split second!